What unit suffixes does the calculator support?

You can use p (picofarads), n (nanofarads), u or µ (microfarads), and m (millifarads) to quickly input values.

How is the RC time constant calculated?

It is calculated as τ = R·C, representing the time required to charge the capacitor to approximately 63.2% of its full value through the series resistor.

What formula is used for capacitive reactance?

The calculator uses Xc = 1 / (2πfC), where f is the frequency in Hertz and C is the capacitance in Farads.

Can I mix different unit suffixes in the series/parallel input?

Yes, the calculator automatically parses and normalizes mixed units like 100n, 2.2u, and 470p.

Why does equivalent capacitance decrease in series?

In series, the reciprocal of the total capacitance is the sum of the reciprocals of the individual capacitances, which divides the voltage across them.

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Capacitor Series / Parallel / Reactance Calculator

Combine capacitors in series/parallel, compute reactance Xc and RC time constant, with schematics and a reactance curve

Details

What this tool helps you do

Combine capacitors and analyze their AC behavior.

Modes:

Series: 1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + … → total decreases; voltage divides inversely to capacitance.
Parallel: C = C1 + C2 + … → total increases.
Reactance: Xc = 1 / (2πfC) for a single capacitor.

Optional series resistor R gives the RC time constant τ = R·C (63.2% charge in one τ).

Value suffixes: p, n, u/µ, m. e.g. "100n" = 100 nF.

Execution

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Prepared example runs

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2 examples

Three caps in parallel: 100n + 220n + 470n

Parallel capacitances add up → C_eq = 790 nF.

Reactance of 1 µF at 1 kHz

Xc = 1/(2π·1000·1e-6) ≈ 159 Ω.

Inputs

Set the required fields, then run the tool.

5 options

ContentPaste or type the main input values.1

Capacitance Values (one per line, or comma-separated)textareaOptional

SettingsAdjust formats, ranges, numbers, and modes.4

Calculation ModeselectOptionalSingle Capacitor Value (F)numberOptionalFrequency (Hz, for reactance)numberOptionalSeries Resistor R (Ω, for RC time constant)numberOptional

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Capacitor Series / Parallel / Reactance Calculator

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Key facts

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Examples

1. Calculating Equivalent Capacitance for a Parallel Filter Bank

2. Determining Capacitive Reactance at Audio Frequencies

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